Representatives Lucy McBath, Summer Lee, and Jasmine Crockett have called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reinstate consent decrees with police departments. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the representatives criticized the Trump Administration’s decision to seek dismissal of these agreements, which provide federal oversight for departments accused of civil rights abuses.
Consent decrees are used by the DOJ to ensure police departments adhere to constitutional standards. They typically involve measures such as improved training and policy revisions. The representatives argue that these agreements are essential for community safety and accountability.
“The Department of Justice (DOJ) regularly enters into consent decrees with local police departments accused of constitutional violations in an effort to oversee their conduct and prevent such violations in the future,” wrote McBath, Lee, and Crockett. They urged the DOJ “to reverse its decision to back away from the use of consent decrees.”
The Trump Administration’s move has been criticized for potentially allowing misconduct within police departments. “President Trump has stated on numerous occasions that he will restore ‘law and order’ to the nation,” noted the representatives. However, they argue that withdrawing from existing consent decrees permits continued misconduct without accountability.
The representatives have requested documents related to this decision by June 12, 2025, seeking clarity on its impact on community safety.
###
